Ankle impingement syndrome is a condition where soft tissue or bone gets pinched during ankle movement, causing pain and restricted motion. It can be anterior (front of the ankle) or posterior (back of the ankle).
Types:
- Anterior impingement: Common in athletes; caused by repeated dorsiflexion (e.g., kicking or squatting)
- Posterior impingement: Often seen in ballet dancers; due to repeated plantarflexion
Causes:
- Repeated ankle sprains
- Bone spurs (osteophytes)
- Soft tissue thickening or scarring
- Overuse or trauma
Symptoms:
- Sharp or pinching pain during ankle motion
- Swelling and tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain worsens with certain activities (e.g., squatting or jumping)
Diagnosis:
- Clinical examination
- X-rays or MRI to identify bone spurs or soft tissue involvement
Treatment:
- Conservative: Rest, NSAIDs, physiotherapy, activity modification
- Surgical: Arthroscopic removal of impinging tissue or bone in persistent cases